Among the friends of Union, there is great diversity of sentiment and of policy in regard to slavery and the African race among us.

Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history. We, of this Congress and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.

We can succeed only by concert. It is not, 'Can any of us imagine better,' but, 'Can we all do better?'

Abraham Lincoln Quotes